Kitchen Cures

5 home remedies for common ailments—do they work?

READER'S COMMENT:

"I agree w/ the ginger for nausea, but ginger ale soda is NOT the way to get it. Ginger ale soda does NOT usually even contain "real" ginger, but flavoring. Go to a local Jamaican/Caribbean market or restaurant and get Ginger Beer (...

4. You’ve heard: “Eat plenty of yogurt if you have a yeast infection.”

Our bodies normally play host to some “good” bacteria and some “bad” bacteria, along with a small amount of yeasts. “Good” bacteria help to keep yeast populations in check. When the number of beneficial bacteria drops, yeasts can start to take over, resulting in a yeast infection. A few studies suggest that eating yogurt—which contains “good” bacteria—may keep yeast under control. One study found that women who regularly ate yogurt had a healthier balance of bacteria and fewer infections. But other studies aren’t as promising—and none, so far, has found that eating yogurt provides any relief once an infection has developed.

Even so, if you’re susceptible to yeast infections, having a cup of yogurt every day can’t hurt. If nothing else, it’s a good source of protein and calcium. Look for brands that specifically advertise they contain live and active cultures, which ensures you’ll get the beneficial bacteria.